Guiding the journey from college to career 

The Filene Center for Academic Advising and Career Services helps students form a tight network of support to navigate daily college life and prepare for professional success.

By Dolores A. Radlo, Dean of Advising

I have the privilege of serving as Wheaton’s new Dean of Advising here at the Filene Center which houses Academic Advising, Career Services, and Accessibility Services in Kollett Hall. I have an extensive background designing, developing, and implementing academic support programs and technology, along with particular expertise in academic advising, crisis management, and provision of comprehensive ADA/Section 504-related support services in K-12 and Post-Secondary settings.

Each day, I am so impressed with our students’ creativity and day-to-day achievements, along with their grit and determination to make the most of their college experience and thrive as emerging scholars within our community. Because of our collaborative and actively-engaged learning community here at Wheaton, we have built our academic advising and supports on the premise that all students looking to enhance their academic and professional pursuits and passions can and will access our support and resources throughout their academic careers with us.

More specifically, there are several essential advising roles on campus that I’d like to highlight:
Collectively, Mentored Academic Pathway (MAP) Advisors, Major Advisors, Student Success Advisors (SSAs), and Peer Advisors/Coaches form a synergistic network of support dedicated to providing students with important guidance and mentorship as students chart their pathways to success at Wheaton and beyond.

The Compass curriculum gives students freedom and flexibility to create their own paths to success, with individualized advising and professional mentorship. Academic advising is an essential component of the undergraduate experience and is embedded within and throughout every stage of each student’s academic journey. Each first-year student has a Mentored Academic Pathway (MAP) advisor, a faculty member who will be a student’s advisor for the first two years at Wheaton. Students then transition to an advisor within their declared major for the rest of their time with us, though MAP Advisors continue to provide valuable guidance and mentorship. The Mentored Academic Pathway (MAP) itself is a focused opportunity for reflection and is a central component of the Compass curriculum. The MAP guides our advising conversations — from identifying strengths and interests to exploring options for study abroad, LEAPS (Liberal Education and Professional Success), and Honors & Scholars programs, advising discussions are targeted and personalized each critical step of the way.

In fact, MAP Advising is so important that one special day each semester — MAP Day — is dedicated to focused advising, reflection and curricular exploration to reinforce and expand on these processes embedded within the student experience. Classes are canceled, students meet with their advisors for group conversations, and additional programming (and sweet treats on The Dimple) ensures that students understand the many options and opportunities available. MAP Day represents a concentrated form of what our students can expect overall from their experience at Wheaton: the chance to get together and explore opportunities, deepen their learning, and enrich their academic experiences.

The Filene Center provides further academic support and guidance for all students, forming a tight network of support as students navigate daily college life. In particular, our Student Success Advisors (SSAs) are available for all students to help answer questions, support students’ academic progress, help them understand academic policies and meet deadlines, provide programming for time management/organization and strategic learning skills, and connect students with other important campus resources. Our Peer Advisors and Coaches, including “Through the Student Lens” featured peer coach, Sophia Pires ’24, provide strength-based help with setting and working towards academic/personal goals, developing effective study habits, managing challenges, and building strong and supportive peer connections.

Please encourage your students to stop by the Filene Center and meet our team of experts dedicated to supporting students’ growth and essential connections. I am honored to work with your students as they grow and develop within our community, and look forward to supporting and celebrating their progress and academic success!

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